Using underwater cameras for travel photography can be a great way to capture unique and stunning images that you wouldn't be able to get with a regular camera. Whether you're snorkeling in the crystal-clear waters of the Caribbean or swimming with Penguins and Sea Lions in the Galapagos, an underwater camera can help you capture the beauty and wonder of the underwater world.
Features to consider
When choosing an underwater camera for travel photography, there are a few key features to consider. First and foremost, you'll want to look for a camera that is waterproof and durable enough to withstand the harsh conditions of the ocean. Many cameras come with waterproof casings that can protect them from water damage, but it's important to make sure that the casing is rated for the depths you'll be diving to.
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Another important feature to look for in an underwater camera is image quality. Look for a camera that has a high resolution. We recently tested the Olympus TG-6 Black on our trip to the Galapagos and were very pleased with the results. Below is a comparison of the quality taken on the Olympus vs my older GoPro Hero 4.
GoPro Hero4
While both cameras had amazing clarity underwater, the Olympus TG-6 Black captured more of the vibrant colors without the need for post production or using any type of filter. Notice the red colors that are present in this photo without the use of any type of red filter.
After seeing these photos from the Olympus and pictures from one of our friends that had a new model GoPro, I immediately ordered a new GoPro Hero 11 Black when returning from the Galapagos. I'm excited to see the difference between the old and new GoPro cameras and the pictures and video taken from the Olympus on our upcoming trip to St John Island. We'll share the results in a Blog post after the trip.
Using Filters
When it comes to composition and technique, shooting underwater can be quite different from shooting on land. The water can distort light and color, so it's important to pay attention to your lighting and positioning to get the best shots. Shooting from different angles and experimenting with framing and composition can also help you create more dynamic and interesting images. It is also highly recommended to use a red light filter when shooting underwater. The deeper you dive or if the water is cloudy, the red portion of the light you see disappears (along with orange and yellow), which leaves you mainly with blue and green light [source].
On this next trip to St John Island, I have purchased a set of filters that I will be testing on the new GoPro Hero 11 Black that are made by YALLSAME which includes two underwater red filters, a circular-polarizing filter, and a few neutral density filters for bright days. There are more highly rated filters available for the GoPro, however these from YALLSAME do not require you to purchase and install a protective housing on your GoPro. The mount directly onto the lens of the camera. This was important to me as I am not a diver and do not plan to take my GoPro deeper than the limits of the camera without a housing.
Lastly, before you take your GoPro
Overall, using underwater cameras for travel photography can be a fun and rewarding way to capture the beauty and mystery of the underwater world. By choosing the right camera, paying attention to your technique, and experimenting with different angles and settings, you can create stunning and unforgettable images that will help you remember your travels for years to come.
Update Post Trip to St John Island
We've just returned from our trip to St John Island and were able to test the new GoPro Hero 11 Black and red filter from YALLSAME. First, let me say that the water clarity in St John is amazing right now. It is crystal clear with very little color distortion in shallow waters on a bright sunny day. You can get some amazing video with the GoPro even without the filter. If you go more than 5 - 10 feet deep, you are definitely going to want to use the red filter. I read many reviews saying that the GoPro can do this automatically, but that was not my experience. As for the red filter, there is a little pink color that will need to be edited out of pictures and videos, but overall it does bring some of the yellows and reds to life on the fish and coral. I loved how simple the YALLSAME filters are. They slide right over the lens on the GoPro body and you don't need to have a protective housing installed on the camera. This was especially true for me as I was only snorkeling. If you plan to use it for a dive, GoPro does recommend a housing.
On the GoPro Hero 11 Black, there is quite an improvement over the Hero4 model that I took on our trip to the Galapagos. There are a couple of drawbacks still with this platform. First, I broke off the microphone cover panel on the camera body one morning while trying to open the battery compartment. It is a little hard to distinguish between the battery cover and the microphone cover. I know I should have had my glasses on when trying to open this, but GoPro can do a better job in making them obvious. Secondly, underwater pictures using the photo option seem to be a hit or miss on how they turn out. The video is phenomenal, but still pictures not so much. I also do not like how while in the water I am unable to use the touchscreen, but let a drop of water hit the screen and it will change every time. Lastly, I would say that the platform would be so much better if there were physical button to make some of the settings changes. This way you could change the settings while in the water with wet hands. Overall, it is a great camera, but my wife also got some really good shots using her Olympus TG-6 Black.
Both of the below photos were taken with the GoPro Hero 11 Black
Underwater with no filter, notice the bluish green color to the photo
Underwater with red filter by YALLSAME
